Method of and apparatus for the distribution of fibers for flocking machines



Oct. 1, 1968 D. MORASH 3,403,817

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIBERS FOR FLOCKINGMACHINES Filed Dec. 5. 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 1, 1968 0. MORASH ,8

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIBERS FOR'FLOCKINGMACHINES Filed Dec. 5, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

Oct. 1, 1968 D. MORASH 3,403,817

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIBERS FOR FLOCKINGMACHINES Filed Dec. 5, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 1, 1968 D. MORASH3,403,817

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIBERS FOR FLOCKINGMACHINES Filed Dec. 5, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent3,403,817 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIBERS FORFLOCKING MACHINES Daniel Morash, La Celle-Saint-Cloud, France, assignorto Societe Besnier-Flotex S.A., Paris, France Filed Dec. 5, 1966, Ser.No. 599,214 Claims priority, application France, Dec. 29, 1965, 44,086;Jan. 20, 1966, 46,526 19 Claims. (Cl. 2221) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREIn particular for electrostatic flocking, a method and apparatus for thedistribution of natural, artificial or synthetic textile fibers for allnon-woven products, in which the passage of said fibers through a screenis assisted by brushes, consisting in that each brush carried by a linkof an endless conveyor chain and inclined with respect to the verticalin a direction opposite to that of the forward movement of the chain, isapplied with a certain elasticity and with a certain practicallyconstant pressure over the entire width of any desired value of a screenlocated below the lower branch of said endless conveyor chain, arelatively small quantity of fibers being fed for the action of each ofsaid brushes via receptacles carried by said chain, one receptacle perbrush, a part of the fibers supplied being allowed to pass through thelinks of said chain on to the screen, said measured quantity of fibersbeing supplied by a dosing device independent of the distributor properactuated by a power-driven variable speed reduction device, means beingprovided for regulation and/or controlling the operation of said dosingdevice as a function of the speed of said conveyor chain.

The present invention relates to a method and appa- I ratus for thedistribution of natural or synthetic textile fibers and for allnon-woven products for flocking machines, together with the productsobtained by the said methods and by means of the said apparatus formingthe objects of the invention.

The method and the apparatus forming the objects of the presentinvention provide an effective, uniform and rapid distribution, thusresulting in considerable gain of time, material and labour.

It is an object of the invention to obtain uniformity of distribution inthe sense of the width, that is to say at right angles to the directionof forward movement of the support, and to obtain the same density offibers on the two widths.

It is a further object of the invention to obtain unifOi'rniLy ofdistribution in time, for any length of fiber.

It is also an object of the invention to reduce to a minimum any actionof the operator of the machine during the course of working, to correctany excess or shortage of fibersv It is a further object of theinvention to provide a distributor which permits effective separation ofthe fibers during operation in order to prevent the fibers packing intolumps; and this especially for fibers of low denier.

It is an object of the invention to provide a distributor which enablesthe fibers to be kept perfectly straight without twisting-and inparticular fibers of long length and small denierso as to obtain a highdistribution density over the whole flocking field.

It is still another object of the invention to permit rapid changing ofthe length and/ or the denier of the fibers,

It is an additional object of the invention to permit rapid maintenancework on the entire distribution device.

It is finally an object of the invention to provide a distributor whichpermits perpendicular application of the fibers in the adhesive, forexample by an electrostatic device.

One of the characteristic features of the invention concerns means forapplying successively, with a certain pressure and elastically, acertain number of brushes against the screen, the brushes beinguniformly spaced apart from each other.

According to a further characteristic feature of the invention, thebrushes are inclined with respect to the vertical in a directionopposite to that of their forward movement along the screen.

According to a further characteristic feature of the invention, thefibers are supplied in small measured quantities in such manner thateach of the brushes is fed separately.

Other characteristic features and advantages of the method and apparatusin accordance with the invention will become evident in the descriptionwhich follows below, with reference to the accompanying drawings andgiven by Way of example and not in any limitative sense.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically an assembly of devices and elements whichdefine the method and apparatus forming the objects of the invention,

FIG. 2 relates to a detail on enlarged scale of the assembly of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate various examples of the co-operation ofdistributor brushes with the distributor screen, and

FIG. 8 is a modified version of the assembly of FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the fibers F are fed in the direction of thearrow f through a supply conduit 26 into a hopper 21. From the hopper21, the fibers are directed in measured quantities to a distributor D bya dosing device 27. This dosing device comprises for example a shaft 28mounted in the lower part of the hopper and open towards the distributorD, the shaft 28 carrying radial blades 29 spaced uniformly apart.

The fibers in the space 2 between two successive blades are conveyedduring rotation of device 27 in the direction of the arrow f about theshaft 28, to a position such that from the blades they fall freely intoone of the receptacles 25 of the distributor D.

The distributor D comprises essentially the following elements:

A motor-driven variable-speed reduction gear 17, the

speed of which can be regulated at will according to the requirements ofmanufacture, drives a pulley 13 through the intermediary of atransmission device 18. This pulley 13 actuates the driving member 24 ofan endless conveyor chain 20 constituted by links 21 coupled to eachother by articulations 22. Each link returns to its initial position onthe member 24 by passing over a freely rotating element 24, thedimensions of which are identical with those of the element 24.

Each of the links 21 is provided at its central portion with a brush 11fixed by means of brush-carriers 12. The brush-carrier comprises forexample uprights 33, between which are clamped brushes 35 of nylon hair36, for example of a diameter of .070-.090 and a length of about Thebrush-carriers 12 are rigidly fixed on angle members 34 integral withthe links 21. The brushes 11 are inclined at equal angles, preferablyfrom 15 to 20, with respect to the vertical n, in the direction oppositeto the forward movement of the chain f f The brushes 35 are arrangedbetween the edges 31 of the receptacles 25. In principle, one receptacleis provided for each brush. Each of the receptacles 25 is mountedastride two links and is made of such material and in such manner as tobe able to adapt itself elastically to the positions taken-up by thelinks 21 during their forward movement (in the direction of the arrows ff for example). The edges 31 of the receptacles 25 are elastic andinclined with respect to the bottom plates 32. The optimum inclinationin the position of application of the brushes on the screen, shown inFIG. 4, is equal to an angle [3 of approximately 120, in order tomaintain the fibers at the height of the hair of the brushes so as toprevent packing of the fibers. On the other hand, the edges should notapply any pressure on the inactive brushes, that is to say those movingforward in the direction of the arrow 1; (see FIG. 1).

The operation is as "follows:

The fibers are deposited by the dosing device 27 in successivereceptacles 25. The speed of rotation of the variable speed motorreduction gear 17 is regulated in order to ensure precise and uniformdosing. The fibers F deposited on the receptacle 25 are carried by theconveyor chain 20 in the direction of the arrow 72; so as to passbetween the walls of the tank 30 and the said receptacles before beingbrought against the screen 15. In the case of electrostatic flocking,the tank 30 and also the transmission device 18 are of insulatingmaterial.

On reaching the screen, part of the fibers contained in a receptacle 25falls through the screen 15. The part of the fibers remaining on thescreen is guided towards the brushes 35, by the edge 31 of thereceptacle 25. The edge 31 will always be at a distance it from thescreen. This distance h is chosen so as to permit the correct operationof the device.

A small homogeneous roll B is formed along the brush over the wholewidth of the distributor and it disintegrates rapidly by rolling betweenthe hairs 36 of the brush; the fibers B can therefore pass through thescreen 15. Since the quantity of fibers F deposited in each receptacle25' is relatively small, the packing of the fibers before and at themoment of passage over the screen is prevented; the time of passage ofthe fibers in the distributor D is short. The properties of the fibersare therefore not adversely affected, especially their straightness,their moisture condition, possible coating, etc.

As the conveyor chain is not rigid but permits the pivotal movement ofeach link 21 about the articulations 22, it always applies the brushes11 against the screen 15 by its own weight, irrespective of the flatnessor general shape of the said screen.

During the forward movement of a receptacle 25 and its correspondingbrush 11 along the screen 15 in the direction of the arrow f'.;, thedisintegrating action of the fibers described above continues uniformly,another receptacle and its brush following immediately after the first,and so on. The useful length of the screen is obviously chosen so as toobtain a uniform and effective distribution for all possibilities ofmanufacture to be envisaged.

The fibers F fall through the electrostatic grid 19 by which they arecharged before reaching the support 40, moving forward in the directionof the arrow f as a function of the distribution.

The advantages of the :method and the apparatus employed in carrying itinto effect are numerous:

A single distribution device is sufiicient to ensure the distributionover a very great length.

The forward speed of the brushes is 15 to 45 m./min., according to themanufacture.

The uniformity of distribution in width is excellent, irrespective ofthe length and the denier of the fibers and the quantity distributed.This distributor can effect distribution of non-woven coverings up to 40grams per square metre.

Due to the large contact surface of the brushes on the screen, a verylow lateral speed of the brushes, of the order of to 30 m. per minute,is amply sufficient for a very good distribution. Now, at these speeds,due to the inclination of the brushes of to with respect to the screen,flocks of large length (15 to 20 m./m.) which had a tendency to pack ina conventional distributor remain perfectly disintegrated. Thisdistributor, even when supplied with uncarded flock, permits thedisintegration of the balls which are broken-up by the hairs of thebrushes on the screen.

This distributor has a low flock capacity, located for the greater partbetween the brushes and not inside the tank; the mechanical forces aresmall; there is no possibility of packing; the fibers retain theirstraightness and are neither deformed nor twisted.

The screen 15 mounted on slides 16 permits the size of link to berapidly changed, which gives great possibilities of adaptation and forchanging the length of fibers; the cleaning of the tank is facilitated.

In applications intended for a non-woven surface, it is only necessaryto neutralize the electrostatic grids in order to obtain a fiat depositon a non-adhesive support, to spray with a binder solution and then tocompress the whole. The advantage of a device of this kind is that itmakes it possible to obtain a perpendicular distribution of the velourstype, and a flat tangled distribution of the non-woven type (felt,etc.).

However, the construction of the receptacles 25 intended to be arrangedon the links 21 of the chain 20 so as to be able to be elasticallyadapted to the positions takenup by the said links is relativelycomplicated and expensive. In addition, it is frequently advantageousfor a part of the fibers to be able to pass freely through the links ofthe chain so as to fall on and through the screen 15, and especiallythose fibers which have collected on and between the links during thecourse of their forward movement.

FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate constructions of this kind, by way of example.

In all these figures, there has been shown the portion of the chain 20carrying the brushes 11 and receptacles 25 when the brushes are appliedagainst the screen 15, the chain moving in the direction of the arrow fIn FIG. 3, receptacles 25' are arranged in such manner that each link 29carries a receptacle, the bottom 32 of which extends from the brush 11up to a distance s from the articulation 22 between this link and thatpreceding. Each receptacle comprises edges 31 and 31'. The bottom 32 isfixed by any desired means on the corresponding link, either directly orat a distance 2 from the link so as to permit recovery of the fibersand/ or easy and effective maintenance of the chain.

The edge 31 forms an angle 5 of to with the bottom and in such mannerthat this edge is substantially parallel to the axis of the brush 11.The edge terminates at a height h above the screen 15, such that for anyposition of the link with respect to the screen, effectivedisintegration of the fibers is obtained. The edge 31' forms with thebottom 32 an angle 7, the value of which is chosen so as to permit thesaid edge 31 to terminate at about the same height h from the screen asthe edge 31, while leaving a passage p for the fibers F towards thescreen 15.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative form of the device illustrated in FIG. 3. Inthis form of construction of the receptacle 25, the edge 31' is arrangedat right angles with respect to the bottom 32 and thus permits a largersection of passage p available for the fibers F.

In the alternative form shown in FIG. 5, the edge 31' is entirelyeliminated, this solution being particularly economical and effectivefor certain manufactures.

FIG. 6 shows a form of construction in which a receptacle 25 isassociated with the receptacle 25 identical with that described withreference to FIG. 5. This receptacle 2 5' is arranged on the sideopposite to the direction 7",; of movement of the chain 20. Receptacle25' is provided with a bottom 32' and an edge 31 on the brush sideforming a right angle with the bottom 31', and

the receptacle 25' is open on the articulation side 22 of the link 21 ofthe chain 20.

The two free-boards of the bottoms 31 and 31 of the parts 25 and 25' ofthe receptacle are arranged at the same distance s from each side of thearticulation 22 between two links, leaving a section of passage p.

FIG. 7 shows another form of construction of a receptacle comprising twoparts 25 and 25 having edges 31' and 31" which form a right angle withthe bottoms 32 and 32'. These edges are arranged on each side of thearticulation 22, between two links, and leave a passage p, no edge beingprovided on the brush side.

The forms of construction of the receptacles shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 areonly described by way of examples. FIG. 8 shows by way of example, theapplication of a receptacle 25 in accordance with FIG. 3 to a devicepermitting the application of the method according to the invention.

Single receptacles 25 made of ordinary sheet steel for example, aremounted on the links 21 so as to permit a passage p for the fibers F.

The utilization of receptacles in accordance with the invention furtherenables the dosing device to be mounted at any desired place above theconveyor chain 20.

The method and the apparatus described in the foregoing text andillustrated in the drawing are only examples and variations andmodifications of the method and apparatus described and shown remainwithin the scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. A method for the distribution of natural, artificial and synthetictextile fibers for all non-woven products, said method comprisingadvancing a plurality of brushes in spaced relation on a screen,positioning the brushes so that they elastically contact the screen withsubstantially constant pressure, advancing discrete quantities of fibertogether with the brushes and independently thereof, and feeding thefiber to the brushes as they pass on the screen so that the fiber iscaused to pass through the screen by the action of the brushes.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising feeding fiberdirectly onto the screen for passage through the screen under the actionof the brushes in supplementation to the advancing discrete quantitiesof fiber.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brushes are formed toextend over the entire width of the screen and are inclined rearwardlyand downwards relative to the direction of advancement.

4. Apparatus for the distribution of natural, artificial or syntheticfibers of all non-woven products, said apparatus comprising a screen forthe passage therethrough of fibers, a distributor device includingconveyor receptacles for advancing discrete quantities of fiber alongsaid screen and a plurality of inter-spaced brushes elastically incontact with the screen, said brushes being coupled to said distributordevice for movement therewith to receive a respective discrete quantityof advancing fiber therefrom and cause the fiber to pass through thescreen.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprising dosing means for supplyingsaid discrete quantities of fiber to said distributor device.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which said distributor devicecomprises an endless conveyor chain carrying said plurality of brushesand said conveyor receptacles for receiving the discrete quantities offibers supplied by said dosing means, and means for driving the chain inrelation to the operation of the dosing means.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which each said brush is inclinedat an angle of to with respect to the vertical and in a directionopposite to that of the forward movement of said chain.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which said conveyor receptaclesare mounted on said chain, one receptacle being provided for each saidbrush.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which each said receptacle isconstituted by a bottom and elastic sides inclined at about with respectto the bottom, the length of said sides being such as to permit thebrushes to project beyond the sides of said receptacles.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which each said receptacleextends from the corresponding brush to a certain distance from thearticulation between one link of said conveyor chain and the nextadjacent link of said chain.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which said receptacle isprovided with a side adjacent its brush inclined at an angle such thatsaid side is substantially parallel to the fixing axis of said brush.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which said receptacle isprovided with a side adjacent its brush and a second opposite side, saidsecond side forming an obtuse angle with the bottom of said receptacle.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which said receptacle isprovided with a side adjacent its brush and a second opposite side, saidsecond side forming a right angle with the bottom of said receptacle.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which each said receptacle isformed in two parts, one part being disposed on a link of said chain infront of the corresponding brush and the other on the previous link ofsaid chain disposed at the rear of said brush, each of said two parts ofthe receptacle being provided with a side adjacent the brush.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which each said receptacle isformed in two parts, one part being disposed on a link of said chain infront of the corresponding brush and the other on the previous link ofsaid chain disposed at the rear of said brush, each of the two parts ofsaid receptacle being provided with a side adjacent the articulationbetween the two chain links carrying the two parts of said receptacle.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which said receptacles arefixed at a certain distance apart from and parallel to the links of saidconveyor chain.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which said receptacles arefixed directly on the links of said chain.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which said conveyor chaincomprises a plurality of interconnected links, each of which carries abrush in its central portion.

19. Apparatus for the distribution of natural, artificial or syntheticfibers for all non-woven products, said apparatus comprising a dosingdevice mounted at the outlet of a fiber supply hopper, a distributor forreceiving fiber from said dosing device, said distributor comprising anendless conveyor chain including interconnected links, said chain havingupper and lower branches, a screen located below the lower branch ofsaid chain, a brush carried by each link of the chain and inclined withrespect to the vertical in a direction opposite to that of the forwardmovement of said chain, and receptacles mounted on said chain, onereceptacle per brush, for conveying measured quantities of fiberssupplied by said dosing device and depositing the fibers onto the screenwhereat the fibers are subjected to the action of the following brushes,and a power driven variable speed reduction device for driving saidchain in relation with said dosing device.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1921 Bow 222407 X 9/1936Wakeham 222407 X

